UNICEF Nigeria Gets New Country Representative
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced the appointment of Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as its new Country Representative in Nigeria.
Wafaa, a seasoned humanitarian and development expert, brings more than two decades of international experience to her new role, with a track record of leadership and service across complex global assignments.
Prior to her posting to Nigeria, Wafaa served as the UNICEF Representative in Somalia, where she led efforts to advance children’s rights amid ongoing humanitarian crises. Her leadership in Somalia was widely noted for achieving key milestones in child protection, health, and education.
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Throughout her career, she has held senior positions in the United Nations system, including with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF. She has served in diverse operational settings such as Sudan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Syria, Ethiopia, and at global headquarters in New York and Geneva.
Her professional journey began in her home country of Sudan, where she worked with the private sector, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations on programs supporting displaced populations and environmental sustainability.
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Wafaa holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, a Master of Science in Physical Planning from the University of Khartoum, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.
UNICEF Nigeria expressed confidence in Wafaa’s capacity to lead its operations in the country, highlighting her expertise in program management, strategic planning, and humanitarian coordination.
“We are delighted to welcome Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef as the new UNICEF Representative in Nigeria,” the agency said in a statement. “Her proven commitment to child welfare and extensive international experience will play a critical role in advancing our mission to uphold the rights and well-being of every child in Nigeria.”
Wafaa’s appointment comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face significant development challenges, particularly in education, child health, and humanitarian response in conflict-affected regions. Her leadership is expected to strengthen UNICEF’s engagement with government and partners in tackling these issues.
